australasian darter

We left the Emu to his own devices and Alex then drove us up the Kalgan River, just as we turned off, there was a huge rock by the bridge. On it was a Darter, not sure if this is a female or juvenile. S/he seemed to be having trouble with the footing LOL

No social distancing here!! Along from the rock where the Greenshank was was a much larger rock with a whole load of birds all hanging out. There were two Australasian Darters and some Little Pied Cormorants.

We finally moved on and had a cruise along the river, which was really very scenic. The banks in parts are lined with willow trees, which although look rather attractive, are an introduced and invasive species. They draw too much water out of the river systems, so they are now being grubbed...

On the far bank was a Darter, I think a juvenile, as it is so pale. I they're they're wonderful birds with their long sinuous necks, often held in a couple of twists!

This very alert looking Darter was over there too... wonder if he was watching a golf match LOL

Suddenly I spotted a Darter flying over and managed a quick grab shot. Not sure if it's a female or juvenile, they're both pale underneath.

I'd long been fascinated by these guys with their over-long necks, so was delighted to see one at the wetlands. I'm told this is a female with the white front.

Seen sunning its self on Penguin Island

and leaving the Little Pied Cormorant behind

Best view I got of a Darter

or at least, my first identifiable shot of one. I think I may have seen some in the distance at Centennial Park, but out of my camera reach.

Australasian darter eating a Redfin

Takes me back to having a great day on the Fogg Dam two years ago.

While waiting for the known resident Black-backed Bittern to show its head the other day, this little beauty was pleased to show off his plumage.

Another favourite of mine as I don't have to go out very far to find him. We have a large lake in the local Botanic Garden and last year before Pete got sick I would go down and sit and watch a female everyday fishing and then drying out at the top of a dead tree in the middle of the lake. On...

Hi all, I was checking on my Black Swan and found this Darter high on a dead tree in the lake. After seeing the Swan was OK I followed a track around the other side of the lake to get a closer look so that when and if the babies arrive I'll be able to get the Digiscope out and get a few shots...

I first sighted this beauty at the entrance to the channel at Queenscliff Marina, sitting on some rocks that are used as a breakwater. As I took a few shots it took off and headed up the channel, thinking it might go into the water further up I hurriedly walked back to the far end of the marina...

Finally, some sunshine! This Australasian Darter was quite the show-off, drying it's wings & strolling up & down the embankment, with an occasional outburst of song.